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Once, King Janaka of Videha was planning to perform a great yaga to which he had
invited rishis and learned men from all kingdoms. Sage Viswamitra, who was one of
the invited rishis, arrived in Mithila accompanied by Rama and Lakshmana who were
serving the sage in his hermitage at that time. Led by his preceptor Satananda,
King Janaka received Viswamitra and the young prices with due honors and expressed
his gratitude to the sage. Enchanted by the couteous manners of Rama and Lakshmana, Janaka asked Viswamitra who they were, to which the sage replied they were the sons of King Dasaratha of Ayodhya and narrated how they had protected his own yaga and effortlessly destroyed the rakshasas who were disrupting his yaga. The sage continued, Rama and Lakshmana had come with him to get a glimpse of the great bow of Lord Mahadeva that was being worshipped by King Janaka for many many years. King Janaka understood the meaning of the sage's words and joyfully declared that "the prince is welcome to see the bow and if he could string it, he will win the hand of my beloved daughter Sita. Many princes have seen this bow before, but have gone back, unable even to move it. I shall indeed be happy if this prince succeeds, thereby enabling me to give Sita to him." The King ordered his men to bring the bow to his court and asked Rama to get close to the bow and look at it. After obtaining permission from Sage Viswamitra and King Janaka, Rama got close to the bow-case, while all eyes were fixed on him in wishful expectation. Opening the box, he lifted the bow effortlessly, as if it were a garland of flowers, and resting one end of it against his toe, he bent and strung it and drew the string back with such irresistible force that the mighty blow snapped into two pieces. Overcome by joy King Janaka proclaimed, "My beloved daughter shall be wedded to this prince." At the instruction of Sage Viswamitra, King Janaka immediately dispatched his men to Ayodhya to convey the good news to King Dasaratha and invite him to Mithila. King Janaka's messengers reached Ayodhya in three days and said to King Dasaratha: "Sage Viswamitra and King Janaka have sent you a happy news. Your son Rama who came to Mithila has won our princess Sita's hand by fulfilling the condition set by King Janaka. The King eagerly awaits your gracious consent for the wedding and your presence and blessings at the festivities. May it please you to start for Mithila with your retinue." King Dasaratha was thrilled with you on hearing this good news and ordered his ministers to prepare for the journey and left for Mithila the very next day. King Janaka accorded them and enthusiastic welcome and said: 'My yaga will soon be over. I think it best to have the wedding as soon as the yaga is over." King Dasaratha heartily agreed with King Janaka. At the appointed day and hour, giving away the bride, King Janaka said to Rama: "Here is my daughter Sita, who will ever tread with you the path of dharma. Take her hand in yours. Blessed and devoted, she will ever walk with you like your own shadow." Thus the Eternal Lovers were re-united and both of them rejoiced at their re-union. |
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